Former Pres. Jonathan Praises Benin Republic’s Prime Minister for Conceding Defeat & Calls it the “Highest Display of Patriotism and Maturity”

Nigeria’s Former President Goodluck Jonathan has applauded the “exemplary conduct” of Benin Republic’s Prime Minister, Lionel Zinsou for conceding defeat in the just concluded Presidential Elections in the country.

The Prime Minister who lost to the opposition candidate, Patrice Talon was reported to have called to the 57-year old entrepreneur to congratulate him.

Jonathan in his statement, also congratulated Talon and the entire citizens of Benin Republic, saying they are all winners.

Read parts of the statement below.

I especially wish to appreciate the incumbent Prime Minister of the Republic of Benin, Lionel Zinsou, who was a candidate for President, for his exemplary conduct of conceding defeat and congratulating the choice of the people, Patrice Talon, on his victory at the polls.

Such a gesture by Prime Minister Zinsou is rare and should be applauded by all statesmen as the highest display of patriotism and maturity.

Having followed the elections in the Republic of Benin very closely, I am very impressed with the orderly manner with which the administration of President Boni Yayi conducted those polls.

They were adjudged peaceful, credible and transparent by local and international observers and President Yayi deserves commendation for providing the leadership that led to this outcome.

I also congratulate the people of the Republic of Benin for their role in the election and for showing the world that the Republic of Benin and its citizens have come of age in the practice of democracy.”

Finally, I congratulate Mr. Patrice Talon on his victory and wish him a successful and peaceful tenure after his swearing-in, even as I urge that there should be no victor or vanquished in this process.

All the Beninoise people are winners and have cause to be proud of their nation.